A new statewide initiative, “Help Your Neighbor,” was just launched to encourage businesses and New Yorkers to give directly to regional food banks this holiday season. $1 million in grants will be given to eight food banks across the state and an additional $620,000 in grants for emergency food relief organizations in communities hit hard by the recent flooding and storms.

“These past several years have been difficult times for many New Yorkers hit hard by the national and regional recession,” said Hannon.“Many New Yorkers must turn to food banks, pantries and soup kitchens, but even the food banks are struggling to provide enough food and supplies for those in need.The ‘Help Your Neighbor’ initiative will assist soup kitchens and food pantries across the state to meet the high demand of those who require assistance during the holiday season.”

Due to several recent storms which hit New York and Long Island hard, food pantries are in even more need of assistance than usual.These grants will go a long way towards helping replenish supplies and food in these coming months.

“Food banks are critical suppliers to the individual soup kitchens and food pantries upon which many New Yorkers rely, especially during these trying economic times,” said Hannon

The “Help Your Neighbor” initiative urges all businesses and New Yorkers to give what they can to help make sure those in need do not go hungry during the holiday season.

As a result of the flooding and tough weather of the past year, affected New York farms have struggled to provide the generous donations they usually give to food banks. Additionally, some donors have scaled back their giving due to tough economic conditions.

“Help Your Neighbor” is a part of the “NYGives” campaign, a statewide effort to encourage charitable giving and generosity throughout the holiday season.“NYGives” connects businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and those seeking to give with organizations that directly serve New Yorkers most in need. The campaign will continue through the end of 2011.

“My Community Office will soon be placing non-perishable food collection bins in local markets, in an effort to further assist the needy,” said Hannon.“I would hope that those who are able can make a small donation to those who are less fortunate during this holiday season.”